Apart from rising in category, TdI would be managed by Italian event organizer RCS, which has been known for its good track record in organizing and managing high level cycling races in the world such as Giro ditalia and Abu Dhabi Tour.
"If the TdI was to be held in July the event would be like the other 2.2 category races. TdI would be the only 2.1 race in Indonesia," General Chairman of PB ISSI Raja Sapta Oktohari said in a statement here on Wednesday.
The change in the schedule of TdI was attributable to the result of talks between PB ISSI official and RCS at the recent Asia Cycling Race Confederation Congress in Bahrain. It was also decided at the congress to postpone the TdI 2017 from July to January, 2018.
To make sure that the TdI would be a success , PB ISSI has invited RCS representative Cristian Queirolo to visit Indonesia and make survey of the route to be used by the TdI. The survey has been made over the route linking Jakarta, West Java and Banten, Raja Sapta said.
PB ISSI has cooperated not only with RCS, but also with the Police Traffic Corps. "The role of the traffic corps of police is vital for the success of TdI," he added.
"With the rise in the category of the event, there are more requirements to be met and we could not afford to make the slightest mistake," he said, adding,"That is why I think it is necessary to talk with RCS and the police."
RCS representative , Cristiana Queirolo also stressed the importance of the role to be played by police for the success of Giro d italia. Even the Italian police chief is involved in any edition of Giro dItalia.
"Giro dItalia will cross through the country. Therefore, the Italian national police chief is involved directly in the event. He would not only monitor the race from close place , he would be involved directly in the event," he said.
The plan is that TdI 2018 is to have four etapes covering Jakarta, West Java and Banten. RCS recommended the event be held in January 2018, after the Tour Down Under and before the Tour of Dubai and Tour of Abu Dhabi. RCS also promised to invite at least nine team of World Tour.
The country has held more similar cycling races lately hoping to promote the countrys tourism such as Tour de Flores, and Tour de Singkarak.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
